Correct Option
The correct option is Creation of linguistic states for major linguistic groups..
Explanation
The States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) was appointed by the Government of India in December 1953 to examine the demand for the reorganization of states on a linguistic basis. It was chaired by Fazl Ali, with K.M. Panikkar and H.N. Kunzru as members.
Detailed Analysis
- Acceptance of Linguistic Basis: The Commission submitted its report in 1955 and broadly accepted language as the basis for the reorganization of states. This was a departure from the earlier Dhar Commission and JVP Committee, which had prioritized administrative convenience.
- Rejection of "One Language, One State": While accepting language as a basis, the SRC rejected the theory of "one language, one state." It emphasized that the preservation and strengthening of the unity and security of India should be the primary consideration.
- Abolition of Four-fold Classification: The Commission recommended the abolition of the existing four-fold classification of states (Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D) and suggested the creation of 16 states and 3 centrally administered territories.
- Outcome: Based on these recommendations, the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 and the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 were enacted, which redrew the political map of India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Creation of states based on administrative efficiency.: While administrative efficiency was one of the factors considered, the primary and most significant recommendation that distinguished the SRC from previous committees was the acceptance of the linguistic principle.
- Abolition of all princely states and their integration into a unitary system.: The integration of princely states into the Indian Union had already been completed by Sardar Patel before 1950. The SRC dealt with the classification of these integrated units (Part B states), recommending the removal of distinctions between them and former British provinces (Part A states).
- Division of large states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for better governance.: The division of specific large states like Uttar Pradesh was not the primary recommendation of the SRC in 1953.
Key Takeaway: The Fazl Ali Commission (1953) is historically significant for accepting language as the primary basis for state reorganization, leading to the formation of linguistic states in 1956.